November 1, 2006

Jacobs discussion

If you've got anything to say about Sen. Mike Jacobs, this is the place to do it.

To the usual puerile Jacobs syncophants, please refrain from the standard juvenile hogwash and hyperbole you attempt to get published daily.

Please keep comments at least reasonably believable and avoid insulting reader's intelligence. (this applies to everyone, of course, but in over a year, the syncophants can't quite get with the program like everyone else.)

Also, bear in mind that Sen. Jacobs is the subject of this thread, and it's not the place for the usual bashing of Boland or any other perceived enemies of Jacobs.

I'm pretty sure Hare did just as well as Jacobs in regard to keeping a positive campaign. However lets remeber that Jacobs went pretty negative during the primary. It's obvious he finally got smart and listened to his campaign manager Sporter McNeil for once. It is simple: When you speak Rosa, the media will make you look like the ass that you are. Keep your mouth shut and everything will be fine. I can't recall any negative press he recieved after the primary.

I did not support Mike Jacobs during the primary because of the appointment, however I have grown to admire the man. I have met him a couple of times and was very happy with his go get them attitude and the youth that he brings to our party. He was very open with his thoughts and listened to my concerns. I feel that he is doing a fine job and he will have my full support when needed. His ability to run for office without bad mouthing his competition was very important to me. In a year were we saw lots of slime it was refreshing to see Jacobs run on the issues.

27/11/06 11:14, Anonymous said..., This is where you are so wrong. Mike Jacobs did not even mention his opponent during the primary or the general election. Porter can take no credit for this. Jacobs ran an issue oriented campaign in both elections. I challenge you to find one ad or commercial or campaign piece that even mentioned that he had a candidate. You are very misinformed on this issue.

Again, there was not any "falling out" between McNeil and Jacobs during the primary, and it's a stretch to imagine any problem between McNeil and any local Dems. I'm sure he's on good terms with them all including Jacobs, as they've always had a good relationship.

Beyond that, whether so-and-so works for so-and-so at any given moment isn't any proof of any problems between them.

Your pushing the idea of a rift between the two is simply wrong.

Frankly, local political workers routinely change jobs as situations evolve depending on what they feel is their best opportunity just like anyone else, and though some local figures have gained and lost jobs, I've never considered any non-candidate's employment status to be of concern here.

Why do you constantly mess with Sen. Mike Jacobs picture and not anyone elses. It seems that you are obsessed with him. Sometimes when people have a crush on someone they can't leave them alone. I like how you cut a devil horn on Jacobs new picture. Very subtle.

But if that's the case, then it's Jacobs and his crew that must be absolutely in love with me, if you go by someone not being able to leave someone alone.

But the reason I changed the picture is because someone whined that the previous picture was a bit much and I didn't want the poor Senator's feelings to get hurt.

After all, every time someone says something less than flattering about him, he or someone else leaves dozens of comments whining about it and lashing out in anger and threats. He or his supporters are obviously very sensitive emotionally and takes things very hard, which is odd for someone in his position.

They obivously don't take this blog very seriously judging by their thousands of remarks, but yet they sure can't stand it if anyone pokes a little fun and takes Jacobs less than seriously.

Your devil horn theory is interesting too. By the way, I didn't add or take anything away from the picture. What you see as a devil's horn is in fact a cowlick I guess. Anyway, I didn't "cut" it in or alter the shot in any way. I'd never noticed it, let alone thought it was a devil's horn. But thanks for putting out that image.

As to why I enjoy messing with Jacobs' pictures, I guess it's like the guy who pulled off the biggest bank heist in history. When asked why he robbed banks, he replied, "Because that's where the money is."

Maybe it's a response to far too many attempts here to hype Jacobs over the past year or so, a little way to "keep it real" so to speak.

No one else has come close to exhibiting the apparent craving for self-promotion, spin, and a need to be praised, so there's no need to "mess" with them.

Senator Mike Jacobs allowed two unknown candidates with little organization and even less money pile up over 40% of the vote against him. Word is Rep. Boland has been bolstered by those #'s and will be launching his bid this time for the 36th. Paul Rumler and James Beals cannot compare to Rep. Mike Bolands war chest, work ethic and legislative experience, and after another foot in mouth episode for Jacobs, ("my wife son and I deserve a raise" ) this could be interesting. as the world turns up there in western illinois, you guys are always good for a laugh, or a groan.

Anon 16/12/06 13:12, are you saying Rumler a top of his class graduate with Stenny Hoyers backing and Beals with his West Point aeronautical engineering degree and international business experience are comparable to an unknow, unemployeed guy from somewhere up North?

I would however like to see Mike Boland muster the courage to try and take on Big Mike Jacobs. It would be great to see Boland lose a bid for the Senate seat to Mike Jacobs 20 years after he lost it to Denny Jacobs. Without Mike Madigans war chess bailing Boland out Boland will be pennyless. He owes the speaker too much to run for Senate and leave the house seat vulnerable unfortunately. We must push Boland to do this if we are to have a chace at this.

If anyone knows a way to get Boland to end his political carreer and be a two time loser to two generations of Jacobs I say lets do it. Maybe we could start a write in campaign to Bolands office imploring him to run. I for one do not know why he would like to run against Jacobs after Jacobs and the local Democratic party just bailed Boland out an unknow, unemployeed guy from somewhere up North.

Jacobs passed all of Bolands bills through the Senate this year. Finally giving Boland a year where he passed more than two bills. Jacobs has given money to Boland's campaign something Boland can not say and this is the thanks that he gives.

We can only hope that Boland can fianlly muster the courage to run for something other than his protected house seat and we can end his carreer. Please Dope and everyone do what you can to get Boland to end his carreer this way.

With enemies like you, Boland will enjoy a long and prosperous career.

It never ceases to amaze me how YOU yourself wrote in the most vicious and lying comments here during the primary desperately painting Rumler (although you'd purposely misspell his name every time) as a guy who was an unemployed bum and worthless, a carpetbagger with no job and no qualifications to run, and portrayed Beals as some crazy guy who made false claims about his background and who got fired from his private sector jobs and who had a spotty history at best.

Now you have the gall to try to make them sound like Lincoln and Jerfferson in your attempt to inflate Jacobs election performance.

You truly have no shame, no conscience, and no sense of decency.

You'll spout any lie, any spin, any smear, as long as it promotes Jacobs or tears down Boland.

Frankly, it's disgusting and has been for over a year. And it would be no matter what the source or who the figures involved. It just so happens that it's ALWAYS pro-Jacobs, and anti-Boland and whoever is perceived as an enemy of Jacobs.

I'm just grateful that other candidates, politicians, and their supporters don't engage in this sort of bullshit to the extent you do.

I have never said anything negative about Rumler or Beals. For you to suggest it is outlandish. I am not invovlved in polotics and you are off base to assume that I am. I have noticed that you seem to want to say who anon's are. My post was a response to an anon blogger and not to you Dope. I hope your ramblings can get Mike Boland the backbone to run against Jacobs and end his carreer.

IL Sen. Mike Jacobs' name is being tossed around by "Democrat Party Leaders and insiders" and "possible replacement" for United State Senator Barack Obama, should he (Obama) run for President of the United States. Barring that, I really don't see Boland winning a seat in the Illinois Senate!

At 69 years old, it doesn't make sense for Boland to give up senority in the Illinois House to become a freshman member of Senate. As well Boland would lose the $12,000 he gets a year as a committee chairman in the House. He could run, but if I was you I wouldn't lose any sleep over the prospects!

When you write "IL Sen. Mike Jacobs' name is being tossed around by "Democrat Party Leaders and insiders" and "possible replacement" for United State Senator Barack Obama, should he (Obama) run for President of the United States." you forgot to mention that it's being "tossed around" by himself apparently. Which comes as no surprise, as like Bush, his arrogance far outpaces his competence.

when boland beats jacobs, jacobs will have to return to his $90K a year ghost payroll job with Jesse White and the SOS, and move back into his parents basement. Do we really want that? at least when he is in springfield 5 months out of the year, he is their embarassment.

If you talked less and listened more you would have read this information in the newspaper for yourself. Everyone in state government knows Obama and Jacobs are close. In fact, I saw where t Sen. Jacobs was "Special Guest" at Barack Obama's campaign managers Christmas Party in Chicago last week. If this doesn't clarify the issue, I don't know what does?

You shouldn't have to be proBoland to get your stupid comment published on this blog. But you shouldn't have to proJacobs either. Trying to make everyone sing out of the same hyme books is a sign of defect and obvious low intellectual output on your part.

If you're capable of expressing an opinion that bears at least some relationship to reality, doesn't consist of nothing but wild spin, and doesn't amount to simple name-calling, threats, or attacks, I'm sure your comment got published.

You allowed numerous comments be published about them that consisted of nothing but wild-spin, name-calling, personal attacks, smear, flat out lies, and all sorts of other crap. Might as well call it porcupine crap.

Why did you begin your site approximately one week after Mike Jacobs was appointed?

You had better make up your mind. You and other Jacobs supporters were the ones writing in any "wild-spin, name-calling, personal attacks, smear, flat out lies, and all sorts of other crap."

They were rebutted and disputed, but you continued your effort throughout the campaign.

It's typical of your twisted attempts to attack the blog that you'd now try to actually blame me for publishing your own comments and those who are aligned with you.

To your comment at 7:59, again, nice try at suggesting some sort of inconsistency, but no banana.

I am blocking people who have nothing but witless and bizarre attacks and harassment to offer.

Easy to comprehend here. If you have something to say, feel free to say it, but if your purpose is only to try to spread goofy rumors or personal attacks and pathetic threats against your fantasy idea of the owner of this blog, then you lose your right to comment. Sorry.

It's not like you haven't had almost two years now to figure out how to express your opinions without being both stupid and offensive. If you haven't by now, you're out of luck.

This won't affect 99% of commenters who are perfectly able, and do, express opinions which differ completely from my own but who do so in a reasonable way.

It's NOT whether you agree with me or not that determines what gets published. Just like any other popular blog, the owner simply has to weed out the nut cases and those who only want to attack and threaten.

I have no obligation to print hundreds of obsessive and angry comments from someone whose misguided frustration at not being able to control the blog is causing them to lose their marbles. (though their bizarre rantings are safely archived.)

You apparently are kind of dim-witted, and for that you have my sympathy.

There is no inconsistency between the two quotes you put up.

I read comments. If they're raging threats and otherwise idiotic, they get blacklisted. Not too tough to figure out, is it?

If you're one of the vast majority of commenters who can write comemnts without threats and delusional personal attacks, then you're fine.

And again, nice try, but it's clear that whether or not a commenter agrees with me has nothing to do with whether they get published.

A few minutes looking around would prove that.

But if you write in stating all sorts of derrogatory stuff about someone as fact without ANY backup or support, and you do so about 25 times, chances are very good that most of them will be dumped.

All of your smears and allegations against Boland and your peculiar views about how Jacobs saved Boland etc. have all been published at least once.

I'm not under any obligation to publish the same thing over and over and over when you post the same crap dozens of times. OK? It's boring. It's been said. If no one responded, then no one cares, or at least they don't want to respond.

This isn't a platform to spread spin and rumors, and I have to make the call as to when that's what's happening. If you don't like it, sorry.

The following thread of comments was moved from the Hare Discussion page where they didn't belong.

At 1/03/2007 10:53:09 PM, Anonymous said...if an unemployed less then successful economic dev. guy like haring, with jacobs pushing and a half million bucks from the republican party cant unseat boland, how can another unemployed less then successful economic dev guy with jacobs backing beat boland in a primary this is bolands job until he gives it up too bad boland dont have a son why is everyone always tring to bury boland

At 1/03/2007 11:11:56 PM, The Inside Dope said... Good question. Since nearly the day after the election I started getting a flood of comments all trying to start a drive to unseat Boland.

You ask why everyone is trying to bury Boland. I only remind you that it's not everyone... just the usual suspect(s).

At 1/04/2007 05:27:52 PM, Anonymous said...Anon 1/03/2007 10:53:09 PM, I would like to point out that Jacobs supported Boland against Haring. Jacobs gave donations to Boland and he did mail pieces with and for Mike Boland. The Jacobs family came out before the election and stood with Boland denouncing Harings ads against Boland. You and this Dope need to get your story straight. If you can show where Jacobs supported Haring I will eat my hat. This anon post reaks of TID.

I know it must be hard to believe that anyone could have anything less than adoration for Jacobs, but amazingly enough, some do.

If you think the few gestures of public support for Boland tell the whole story, some might have a tough time agreeing.

Are you saying that there's no longer any animosity between the Jacobs and Boland? Surely you jest.

Or are you just trying to spin it that way?

At 1/05/2007 06:44:46 AM, Anonymous said...You people need to get a life.

We have serious issues in this area - and you piss and moan about Jacobs/ Boland.

At 1/05/2007 07:27:33 AM, The Inside Dope said... While you, on the other hand, .........? Piss and moan about people pissing and moaning?

What are these serious issues, and what have you got to say about them?

Write a guest post. I'd be happy to put it up.

At 1/05/2007 08:11:49 AM, Stop the smears said... I think this is the type of smear that we need to stop. You say that Jacobs is against Boland and yet show no evidence for it and act as if the things that Mike Jacobs has done to help Mike Boland is not good enough. What would it take for you to stop this smear campaign.

At 1/05/2007 08:20:39 AM, The Inside Dope said...Well, for starters, it's no smear.

But maybe if Jacobs and/or his supporters hadn't sent in dozens of smear attempts and comments trying to suggest that Jacobs were the ones who got Boland elected and viciously slamming Boland every way possible, then maybe I wouldn't choke when I read people trying to say that Jacobs is the white knight here and Boland is the one who's behaving badly somehow.

I'm not saying one side or the other is blameless. I think the whole situation is stupid.

But it was beyond clear that someone on the Jacobs side was more than interested in slamming and trying to harm Boland during and after the campaign, as witnessed by dozens of comments along those lines, many which were so out there and repetitious that they didn't get published.

At 1/06/2007 02:28:20 PM, Newplayer said... I thought this was an anonymous blog where people could say what was on their mind?

Are you saying I have to dislike Mike Jacobs or you will censor my witty and oft relevant comments?

At 1/06/2007 10:41:48 PM, The Inside Dope said... No, and I have no idea where you get that idea. Care to explain?

I think you'll have no problems finding dozens of pro-jacobs comments here, so I'm not sure why you're trying to suggest what you are.

And if your comment fit your description, it would be published. So obviously if it didn't show up, it wasn't either witty or relevant.

At 1/07/2007 12:45:30 PM, Anonymous said... Why don't you post the front page story in the qctimes regarding all the campaign cash Boland took from Madigan?

I can't believe Boland had to spend $794,421.00 to beat an unkown, unemployeed guy. Where is the outrage Dope? Your self rightous indignation over Madigan buying YOUR legislator?

While Boland lost Carroll and Whiteside Counties, Sen. Mike Jacons carried them in a big way against a West Point grad, International salesman for Kress Corporation and Eagle Scout. Now that is not to say Jacobs is great, it's to make the point that Boland's antics have turned the 71st District from a safe seat into a toss-up.

The time has come for Democrats to clean up their own mess before Republican Steve Haring does it for us! We have many qualified candidates to choose from including Lack, Ahern, McNeil, Bustous, Rumler and Hutton.

Mike Boland hs turned a once safe seat vunerable and Democrats can't afford to shell out $800,000.00 every 24 months to keep this seat in Democrat hands.It's time for a new Democrat that isn't loaded down with scandle and the inabiity to work as part of a team.

At 1/07/2007 01:50:56 PM, The Inside Dope said... First of all, can ANYONE tell me why anonymous posted his anti-Boland rant on the Hare Discussion thread?

Secondly, I think you make a couple valid points, but you hyperventilate and overstate your case so badly that it's easy to ignore.

I don't think any of what you mention is nearly as bad as you try to make it appear.

And despite your relentless attempts to spin things, the fact remains that Steve Haring was far better positioned, had far better organization, and was a far tougher opponent than whatever nobody Jacobs managed to outspend.

You scream about the amount spent by Boland without mentioning a word about the amount dumped into Haring's campaign by the Republican party and all the help he received. Are you deaf, dumb, and blind? Or just dumb?

So the Republicans thought they had a shot at Boland and threw every last dime and resource they could at him and lost.

OK.

I hardly think that compares to Jacobs spending a mountain of money to defeat people that no one had ever heard of before in their life and who were grossly outspent by Jacobs by a factor of about 10.

How do you square all that with your desperate attempt to tear down Boland?

At 1/07/2007 06:12:14 PM, Anonymous said... Dope,

I'll go slow so you understand what loyal Democrats are saying.

Most politicians raise their own campaign money. Without Madigan, Boland has proven unable to raise the necessary money to win, unless of course you approve of Boland trading additional scholarships for campaign cash?

For too long now, Madigan has been forced to bail out the struggeling Boland (52%), and to give him more and more money each and every year, as are Lane Evans and labor unions. All have grown increasingly tired of bailing out a wounded Boland.

While President Emil Jones picked up five new senate seats, creating a veto proof majority capable of moving important Democrat initiatives, Madigan was again forced to expend $800,000.00 to defend Boland's safe house seat.

It's time for a new voice for the 71st District. One that can and will win without needing $800,000.00 every two years to save himself from himself.

How can an unqualified boob like Jacobs win the counties Boland lost running against a far more qualified candidate and raise his own money, yet Boland has to rely on the charity of state and local Democrats to bail him out? Something is clearly wrong here!

Boland has become a "mill stone" around Madigan's neck and this gives those seeking legislative office greater, not less, opportunity to unseat Boland.

In sum, it's not about Jacobs v.s.Boland (Boland already lost that race) --- it's about OUR state representative being controlled by Speaker Madigan!

If you are unable to understand this fact you may be incapable of being impartial on this matter.

At 1/07/2007 06:17:18 PM, The Inside Dope said... All I can say is, I still don't know why you're ranting about Boland on the Hare discussion thread, and that many of the things you consider facts above are only your opinion, and clearly the opinion you're trying mightily to cause others to share.

Again, trying to run the next election before the ink's dry on this one is rather silly.

You may think you have it all figured out, but I wouldn't bet on it.

At 1/07/2007 08:10:43 PM, Anonymous said... You ask why this smear on Jacobs is taking place on Hares site? Well all you have to do is see that an anon which sounds like TID and then TID himself asked for this.

At 1/03/2007 10:53:09 PM, Anonymous said...if an unemployed less then successful economic dev. guy like haring, with jacobs pushing and a half million bucks from the republican party cant unseat boland, how can another unemployed less then successful economic dev guy with jacobs backing beat boland in a primary this is bolands job until he gives it up too bad boland dont have a son why is everyone always tring to bury boland

At 1/03/2007 11:11:56 PM, The Inside Dope said...Good question. Since nearly the day after the election I started getting a flood of comments all trying to start a drive to unseat Boland.

You ask why everyone is trying to bury Boland. I only remind you that it's not everyone... just the usual suspect(s).

At 1/04/2007 05:27:52 PM, Anonymous said...Anon 1/03/2007 10:53:09 PM, I would like to point out that Jacobs supported Boland against Haring. Jacobs gave donations to Boland and he did mail pieces with and for Mike Boland. The Jacobs family came out before the election and stood with Boland denouncing Harings ads against Boland. You and this Dope need to get your story straight. If you can show where Jacobs supported Haring I will eat my hat. This anon post reaks of TID.

All you had to do is say that anon 1/04/2007 05:27:52 PM, was right. Jacobs has supported Boland. Instead you chose to smear the Senator.

This is a disgrace and disrespectfull to Congressman Hare and his followers.

At 1/07/2007 08:35:41 PM, Anonymous said... Regarding Jacobs's support of Haring, one of the above anonymous bloggers should prepare to eat their hat.

I would suggest that people keep an eye on Mr. Beals. I heard he has a number of responsibilities at his job, including marketing, product support, and engineering while having carte blanche travel on the corporate jet. A friend of mine who knows him said that Beals is designing a piece of equipment for a jobsite in Brazil that will be featured on the Discovery Channel, Mean Machines. http://www.discoverychannel.co.uk/ontv_machines/index.shtml

He also told me that Beals was considering a four year Congressional strategy (run in 08/10) to build name recognition across the 17th during the 2008 election and then running hard in 2010 when the voter turnout demographics are more favorable for a Republican candidate.

In case the Jacobs supporters have not figured it out yet, I would gather that Mike Jacobs was used as a stepping stone on Mr. Beals's way to federal office. Looking at previous discussions, he only lost Whiteside and Carroll counties by about 400 votes while running a clean campaign on limited funds and time. They are closer to home for Haring and it makes sense why he won them over Boland. 40% of the vote was pretty good for a rookie considering the voter demographics of Rock Island and Mercer counties.

If I were a Dem, I'd start making friends with this guy. Voters know him now and the 36th Senate District is about 1/4 of the 17th Congressional District and Adams County always goes to the R's.

The piece about the Bass St. Chop house and how people then tried to brag about there being a "senator" steak there made me think of just what a great illustration that is.

Denny Jacobs used to hang out at Frank's Pizza in Silvis. A working class joint if there ever was one. A place with a bar but family friendly with good and affordable food. Denny was there all the time, because he liked the people and the people liked him.

But Mikey, aka our own G.W. Bush, instead spends all his time, like someone who suddenly has money, at whatever happens to be the very most expensive or trendy bar/restauarnt in town, starting with the overpriced mess known as FIVE and then when that bellied up, moving to the Blue Ribbon where he and his gang could enjoy their $100 and up dinners and drinks.

What a contrast in both style and values between the father and son, and how clearly their choices of hang-outs spells that out.

One enjoying the company of average folks and making himself available to hear their concerns, and the other more obsessed with image, fancy suits, acting like a big shot, and trying to act like a millionaire, courting the elite of the area at places where an the chances of running into a working guy is slim and none.

According to R.H. Smith, "Envy is an emotion that occures when a person lack's another's superior quality, achievement or possession and either desires it or wishes that the other lacked it."

As Kant noted in his work, "At the core of envy is an upward social comparison, that seems to threatens a person's self-esteem: another person has something that the envier considers to be important to have (a Senate seat)."

While Legals Eagle imagines that he or she could easily be Sen. Mike Jacobs, the notion is rarely if ever vaild.

In the Catholic Faith, envy is considered one of the seven deadly sins. It (envy) is sinful because envious people ignore their own blessings, and focus instead on others' status rather than thier own spiritual growth. Eenvy is often associated with being unreasonable, irrational, imprudent and vicious.

According to Machiavellie, people that are envious of others are "internally weak, self-loathing and of peasant mind."

Proverbs 14:30 reads, "A heart at peace gives life to the body but ENVY rots the bones."

Envy carries with it a desire to destroy or deprive another of the good things they have earned. More than desiring to possess, ENVY becomes an insatiable desire to rob the envied person of the qualities or possessions that person has earned. Envy destroys the soul of the envier, because the more the envied earns and is fullfilled, the more the envier is in pain.

Envy is a self-inflicted pain that wounds pinining spirit, which is racked by the prospertity that another has earned.

I'm sorry, but the above comment is one of the single most pathetic in a long time.

Someone must have discovered a quote websight or something. But their lack of intelligence still shines through, as does their out of control belief that anyone who disaproves of anything they do must be jealous or envious.

I thought you were a politcal reporter? How could you miss this story? It was on the front-page of the DA and the Times, and the DA Editorial staff wrote about it today. If you can't afford a subscription, you can access the stories on line. Good luck!

Matfres,A political reporter? Where'd you hear that? I have done a little reporting when I've come up with things by accident, but where do you see me doing political reporting?

If I was a political reporter, I don't think I'd be anonymous and I'd damn sure wouldn't be doing it for nothing.

The political reporters around here are paid by the local press, and a pro political reporters like Rich Miller with an online presense sells subscriptions to his services for about $350 and is paid for his syndicated columns, not to mention being very well connected and operating out of Springfield and Chicago, and wherever the news is.

By the way, how much have you donated to this blog lately? You seem awfully bitchy for someone who apparently can't cough up a dime.

Truth is, I simply haven't been reading the papers lately. I've been out of town several days (having a GREAT time in Chicago) and actually, don't even feel like seeing what new BS is going on.

I'm certain that whatever it is I missed isn't very important. I thought this Boland story was already reported and commented on quite thoroughly before the election. What's new that hasn't already been said?

Perhaps the reason you don't see Jacobs at pricey joints is that you don't go to them?

But seriously.... where in the hell do you detect any jealousy from me? I think you're pulling it out of your ass.

I have no reason to be jealous, period. It's not like I'm just dying to eat at the restaurants Jacobs hangs out at, I have, and several times. Big deal.

Fact is, I wouldn't want to be a state senator or politician for any reason. I simply couldn't be that phony.

I will admit that legal eagle has a good point. You don't get a lot of constituent contact hanging out in the most expensive places in town, and Jacobs the younger seems to be a lot more concerned with a flashy image than Denny. Or would you argue with that too?

How you can get from someone else commenting on Jacobs style to accusing me of being jealous is truly a mystery.

But it's clear that some folks are more interested in banging on me than it being based on any truth. So it goes.

Not much news there. Frankly, I fail to see why the D/A is suddently finding that enormous amounts of money are spent on campaigns, even around here, is anything new.

They've been deafeningly quiet about it in other races. What is it? If the total spent goes over the magic number of a million bucks that it's suddenly scandalous?

Hell, money has been ruining and corrupting politics since politics began, and it's been a crisis and wrecking our system of government for decades. No one seems to be too concerned.

Some are even as ridiculous as to try to blame the problem on the voters, rather than the donor class and the politicians who do their bidding, as a commenter above actually tried to do.

Nothing will change unless public financing of elections is mandated and unless throwing money at candidates is strictly regulated. And you can bet that no politicians will ever vote for that unless the public outcry is too huge to ignore. And the public is half asleep and won't do anything. After all, they're not anywhere close to being in the game.

All a citizen can do is keep an eye on things and bring things to light. In that respect, I suppose it's good that the D/A brought it forward, but I find it to be less than startling, and pretty much predictable that record amounts would be spent in that race.

I also find the one person who seems obsessed with suggesting that Boland is now a fully controlled robot of Madigan to be way off the mark. But whoever it is, sure is determined, and has written dozens of goofy comments here and elsewhere trying to promote that story line.

Fact is, Boland isn't anymore bought off than any other politician, and in many respects, is more independent than his prime Dem opponent.

Actually, I have dozens of shrill comments bashing Boland for being too independent of the Dem machine.

Seems you can't please 'em if you do, and can't please 'em if you don't.

Dope, I think some history is in order here. Yes Mike Jacobs is more flashy than his father as you stated "Jacobs the younger seems to be a lot more concerned with a flashy image than Denny." I am not sure that he tries to be though. People are who they are and flash can be a thought out thing but more times than not it is born into a person. If you did know your history you would know that Mike Jacobs is nowhere as flashy as his grandfather Jake Jacobs. This is a man that would and could wear a canary yellow suit. He had a pencil mustache and was quite dapper in his looks and manner. Jake Jacobs could be seen at many great old fancy eateries. He was a restaurateur himself and was the first white restaurant to serve African American patrons. Maybe Denny is the one who was more concerned with not being flashy.

By the way. All types of restaurants have people that are good for business. Get off it already.

Oldtimer, fine comment, except when you flip out and tell ME to "get off it". Why don't YOU and all the others "get off it" and stop blaming me every time some one ELSE makes what you think is a negative comment about Jacobs.

If the Jacob's family were/are as close to Barak Obama as they say, why then did "daddy" vote against Obama's "Health Care Justice Act" which was one of the centerpieces of Obama's legacy in Springfield?

Status: - HB 2268 PASSES SENATE: Today the Illinois Senate passed the Health Care Justice Act. An intense major yearlong battle to make this happen. All the Democrats and the one independent voted for it, except: Denny Jacobs (Moline) who voted NO, and Senator Clayborne who was not present today at the State Capitol. All the Republicans voted NO except Senator Radogno who voted Present. Senate GOP henchmen Brady (Bloomington) and Roskam (Wheaton) expanded on the lies that were being spun by two insurers and personally attacked our sponsor, Senator Obama. As we all knew, Senator Obama did an exceptional job defending the Health Care Justice during the 75 minute floor debate. Senators Harmon, Trotter, Forby and Schoenberg also spoke favorably about the bill.

"It's true I don't have personal wealth or the famous name of some, Obama said. "But I am absolutely certain that we are going to have enough resources to get out our message out. Money is only as useful as it translates into votes."

Supporting Obama at the news conference were Illinois Senate President Emil Jones, Jr., U.S Reps. Danny Davis and Jesse Jackson, Jr. state senators DENNY JACOBS and Terry Link, and former Chicago bear football player and community activist Chris Zorich."

Facts generally trump conjector. It's clear Jacobs was with Obama way before it was cool to do so! Jeeeesshhhh, the nerve of some people.

I would imagine that he was against it. I find it ironic that so may people don't realize that friends vote against each others bills. Lovey Smith went to his friends Dungy's game during the Bears off week. Imagine frineds playing against each other.

Chris Zorich is a Notre Dame grad and fomer Chicago Bear' nose tackle. Those in the know, know Zorich is also a leading community activist and civil rights lawyer.

Zorich is credited with creating the Joliet Public School Foundation, Brush-A-Thon, Dental Van Roll-out, Care to Share, Chris Zorich & Friends, Love Grows Here, Holiday from the Heart and the Chris Zorich Foundation which raised tons of dough for Chicago Public Schools and provides scholarships to Chicagoland's most children through the Zora Zorich Scholarship Fund.

Your personal problems are none of my concern, but if your going to run your mouth and a blog, at the very least ought to know what the heck you are talking about.

I would love to know what, if anything, you have done for our community other than run it in the ground?. From my learned perspective, knowing who you are and what your record is, I think your past cost our community more than you have thus far contributed.

If you do not realize it, Zorich is a close friend of Obama. If Obama is elected I am sure that Zorich will be rewarded for his support as well as others that supported him. I thought you were the inside dope. Yopu seem more like the outside dope.

Hatty,First of all, you don't know who I am and never have. Secondly, where have I "run the community into the ground"? Do you actually think that any factual, rational criticism is "running" something "into the ground"? Wow. I suppose it's unpatriotic too, eh?

You on the other hand my little friend, though supposedly "learned", have absolutely NOTHING to contribute here whatsoever.

Based on that, I can only conclude you're nothing but a hack who freaks out at the slightest criticism, even when it's perfectly legit.

Not only that, but instead of responding to issues or providing information, you instead are only capable of diving straight into the sewer and trying to attack people personally.

That shows what a disgusting, slimy character you possess. Public officials in places of public trust should expect comment and critisism. Yet you apparently feel that an independent citizen who runs a blog should be attacked at all costs, smeared, and threatened.

Why not reveal yourself and how you opperate? Nothing to be ashamed of, right? The public would be on your side, right?

You and your cronies should be glad that I haven't dumped all your slimy disgusting crap out in the open for them to judge.

You don't know who I am, you're way off the mark, and if you were on solid ground, I'm sure you'd go ahead and reveal these deep, dark secrets that only you and your ilk give a damn about.

But you don't, because you know you'd pay big for being so incredibly irresponsible.

By the way, what is it exactly that you hate so deeply about a simple blog? What is it that drives you into the slime to try to attack it?

You made a false attack on an innocent woman's character based upon your own conjector and routinely print unsourced qoutes by Milton Goldblatt, but chide an anonymous commentors because they reported what they heard? Are you seriousssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss? PLEAZZE!

Hey joker, I challenge you to tell us what "false" charge I made against any woman's character, or any conjecture I made, for that matter.

The fact is that I reported facts, did not say anything false about anyone, and you know it. You're full of it. But if you want to keep beating this dead horse, be my guest. I never get tired of reminding people of it.

You're the only one who thinks noting that someone is a professional masseuse is somehow a "false attack" on someone's character. I don't.

I chide people who write in saying "I heard". Sorry if you've got a problem with that. If I refused to print any unsourced comments, there wouldn't be many comments.

Get that chip off your shoulder, and stop inventing crap to attack me with.

A source close to the Senator (Big Barak Obama not lil state senator Mikie Jake-oops) told me that Obama called every single Senate Democrat, and Dennis J was LAST because of his vote on Obama's health care proposal.

I can't personally confirm that this is true, but my source in Obama's office has never led me wrong before. Health Care Justice was/is an a TOP priority to Barak, so Denny's "nay" vote will LONG be remembered.

Spin it however else ya might like amongst your own supporters and family, drop the names of former Chicago Bears all you want, it ain't going to change daddy's vote.

Why are you Jacob's trying to tie yourself to a black Chicago Liberal anyway, isn't that the kind of thing you usually are busy accusing Boland of doing ?

Barak made nice with John McCain in public but will never forget the slap in the face Johnny gave him, the same holds true for the self appointed "Kennedy's of the QCA."

According to records filed at the State Board of Elections, Sen. Mike Jacobs' campaign paid a woman for "research", not "massage". That you attempted to turn this woman's work (research) into something other than it was, is dispicable!

Jacobs' campaign report filed with the State Board of Election is clear. Massage is never mentioned. That you tried to turn Tina's "research" into something other than it was is pathetic.

What kind of loser smears an innocent women in hopes of achieving some kind of ill conceived politcal gain?

My problem with you is that you think because you are anonymous that you have the right to smear innocent people! Smearing Sen. Jacobs is one thing (he's a public figure), but besmearching a defenseless women's chartacter in hopes of gaining some odd politcal gain is another.

UYT, you're attempt to lie about that issue, protect Jacobs and try to imply the woman did anything wrong is what's pathetic and despicable. Truly.

Tell me, just how did I somehow try to "turn this woman's work into something it was". The fact is that I didn't. YOU are the one STILL trying desperately to throw that lie out there. Don't you see that you're the one smearing the woman by even suggesting that it was implied she'd done something wrong?

No one EVER implied that she did anything wrong whatsoever. So why do you try to make it about her instead of about the senator and how he spends his campaign loot?

Why not demand an answer or response from him, which has never been given, by the way?

I reported exactly what was in Jacob's campaign expense report. How was that a "lie"?

I noted that the woman was a professional masseuse as she proudly advertised on a web site. How was that a lie? Is noting someone is a professional at something a "smear"? If I said Joe was a physical therapist, would you think that was a "despicable" smear? What kind of snakes are in your head anyway? Why do you insist on assuming stereotypes?

And where in your dirty little mind did you imagine that anyone was suggesting anything improper on this woman's part? Tell us exactly what you THOUGHT was being implied. That would be interesting. Then show me where I wrote it or said it.

You can't.

You can be ashamed of your imagination and what fantasies you conjured up, but the truth is that you didn't hear it suggested here.

You're the one desperately trying to spin this away from Jacobs and trying to pretend this was about the masseuse.

Sorry Chester. The masseuse had nothing to do with it.

I'm glad to rehash this story endlessly, and you do a great job of keeping it alive.

But everyone knows I didn't do what you imagine I did and that your little fevered accusations don't hold water.

We all know (cough cough cough) that Jacob's hired a masseuse to "massage" his poll numbers!

That's his story and he's sticking to it!

Where I come from it's standard to hire political consultants for research, I've even seen political campaigns hire private detectives for research, but hiring a masseuse (for that same reason) has to be a first.

Just as Mike Jacob's openly stated his personal need and desire for a pay raise, I think it's time for him to come forward with the truth here. Let's not make it something tawdry, therapeutic massage is medicine. Big Mike just needs to explain that your campaign funds went for therapeutic massage and your wife and (former) supporters will likely forgive all.

All the stress the poor Senator is under, who'd begrudge him a good rub-down from the campaign warchest. It's not like anyone's saying it's taxpayer funds that paid this masseuse, or anything illegal like that!

to imply that there's only two of us in cyberland who enjoy watching "big Mike" and his illiterate supporters make a**es of themselves, is just going too far.

Don't you know there's a whole "nest" of us laughing at "big mike". Once you are in our club, there's a secret handshake (known as the "dead carp") and a whole set of other rituals which are sworn secrets (or else I'd tell ya!).

The dartboard at the "clubhouse" has a well worn picture of "Da senator", and the toilet seat has been painted to look like his smiling face with a big toothy grin.

According to the article, Jacobs wasn't at the meeting. Verschoore, Boland,and Moffit are mentioned, but not Jacobs.

"Present were state legislators and officials, as well as representatives from all over the Quad-Cities and neighboring areas, including Patrick Verschoore, D- Milan, Mike Boland, D-East Moline and Donald L. Moffitt, R-Gilson."

I checked the facts and Big Mike Jacobs was meeting with Japanese leaders of Central Japanese Railway Company in the state of Illinois building as the Governors lead on High speed rail from the QC to Chicago with the rail then going on to New York City. This is all in the exploritory stages yet but it appears that there is interest. This is the reasoon that Jacobs was not at the Durbin conference where Durbin has taken Jacobs plan for rail from QC to Chicago. Plans change and I don't believe that Geneseo was ever the destination whether the paper stated so or not.It is great to see someone working for our community in such a positive way.

So we are to believe that our State Senator was at a vitally important meeting about inter-state rail, while our United State's senator was wasting time here at local meeting about our regional parochial interests..

I agree with 2/03/2007 03:03:12 AM, Anonymous said..., I believe that Beals with his great qualifications would have a much better chance for Congress. It is hard to take on Mike Jacobs and his great accomplishments. Before Jacobs no one was talking about WIU. Now it is on it's way. Before Jacobs we were not even thinking of a train to Chicago and now it is comming to life. Jacobs is wroking as the Governors lead in a task force that is researching cutting edge Technology. Jacobs is working with world leaders on on high speed rail in this state years before others even think of it. It is green technology and for you to want to rely on foreign oil is a crime. Mike Jacobs is one of the front runners for Obamas Senate seat if and when Obama becomes President.

Leadership Results and integrity.

For the record Mike Jacobs won a Primary against a great candidate and then won the general against another quality opponent. These were the two best challengers of the election cycle. The only one that big Mike Jacobs has to thank for his paycheck is you the voters.

I look forward to seeing great things from this wildly successful Senator.

Illinois Senate President Emil Jones today tabbed state Sen. Mike Jacobs to Chair the Senate Housing and Community Affairs Committee. Jacobs is the first freshman legisltaor in Illinois to be tabbed as chairmanship of a Senate Committee. Jacobs also serves on the Appropriations, Human Services and Insurance Committees. So much for the "no clout" theory!

"Incidentally, Jacobs has grown into the job., He's made a few verbal gaffes his first year, but has moved on with grace. He (Mike Jacobs) has one of th best track records in the legilsture for getting bills passed."

Only Mike Jacobs would be considered a freshman after being in a position for two years. Most people consider that "failing the grade".

His actions are reflective to that of the pompous high school football player that ended up being a bouncer, except in this case, Senator because of his dad. And yes, Mike's football career at Iowa was a miserable failure.

Speaking of dad, good ole Denny and Springfield Reeder go way back. Sure it was not to difficult to write such a glowing article about the boy.

First, an appointed legislator is not "elected" until he or she wins a general election. Hence, Jacobs is considered a freshman legislator.

Second, Small Newspaper group Springfield Bureau Chief Scott Reeder claim, "Sen. Mike Jacobs has one of the best track records in the legislature for getting bills passed" is TRUE. as Reeder noted, Sen. Mike Jacobs does have one of the best records in all of Illinois for passing legislation.

Third, your assertion "Mike's football career at Iowa was a miserable failure" is SUBJECTIVE. In fact, I understand Big Mike Jacobs enjoyed playing football for the Iowa Hawkeyes.

And so you know, last year Sen. Mike Jacobs earned 57% of the Democrat vote and 63% of the general election vote, and is one of six people being mentioned as e replacement for US Sen, Barack Obama should he (Obama) win the Presidency of the United States

I don't know about you, but if anyone here is a "BOY" --- I'd say it's Anonymous 1:19:25 AM.

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